The unexpected reason why Manchester City hold upper hand in any Barcelona negotiation for Ilkay Gundogan | OneFootball

Manchester City could have the upper hand in any upcoming transfer negotiation with Barcelona for midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

The 33-year-old, who left Manchester City for FC Barcelona on a free transfer last summer, has been linked with a dramatic exit from the Camp Nou during the closing weeks of the transfer window, only 12 months after moving to La Liga from the Etihad Stadium.

Gundogan departed east Manchester after captaining Manchester City to a landmark treble, winning the Premier League, Emirates FA Cup and UEFA Champions League during the 2022/23 season.

The German midfielder was Pep Guardiola’s first signing at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, with Gundogan making 304 appearances over seven seasons for Manchester City, winning 14 trophies and scoring 60 goals.

Gundogan made 51 appearances during his debut season at Barcelona during the recent 2023/24 campaign, but was absent from the squad for their opening match of the La Liga season on Saturday evening against Valencia.

However, according to the information of journalists Adrià Albets and Santi Ovalle, Gundogan has now agreed to leave Barcelona this summer following a conversation with manager Hansi Flick, with the Catalan club now waiting for offers from potential suitors across Europe.

The 33-year-old is reportedly ‘open’ to the idea of returning to Manchester City this summer, with the Sky Blues still in the market for a new midfielder and forward.

Etihad bosses could hold the upper hand in any upcoming negotiation should Manchester City seek to re-sign the German international, with Barcelona still wanting to sign full-back Joao Cancelo this summer.

The Portuguese full-back, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona, is wanted by the La Liga club again this summer, but talks are at a standstill due to the Spanish club’s financial woes.

Cancelo could therefore play a role in any move for Gundogan, with the 30-year-old having not been named in the Manchester City matchday squad for recent matches against Manchester United or Chelsea.

Cancelo hasn’t played a competitive match for Manchester City since a defeat at Old Trafford in January 2023.